Negotiators from the US and Ukraine stress importance of Russia for achieving 'real progress' towards peace

Senior negotiators from the United States and Ukraine reported constructive discussions on ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing that any advancement toward peace largely hinges on Russia's actions. In a joint statement, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with Ukrainian negotiators, highlighted that meaningful progress requires Russia to demonstrate a serious commitment to lasting peace, including steps toward de-escalation and halting violence.

The meeting saw both sides outline a framework for security arrangements and examine measures of deterrence. Despite these efforts, talks in Moscow earlier this week did not yield a near-term agreement to resolve the nearly four-year conflict. This session marked the sixth round of discussions over two weeks, involving Witkoff and Kushner alongside Ukraine's national security secretary Rustem Umerov and Brigadier General Andriy Hnatov. Further meetings are scheduled in Florida.

The negotiators stated that Ukraine's main priority remains achieving a settlement that safeguards its independence and sovereignty, protects its citizens, and lays the groundwork for a stable democratic future. They also considered the US engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin and discussed Ukraine's reconstruction and economic initiatives after the war.

They stressed that a ceasefire and tension reduction are essential to prevent renewed hostilities and to implement Ukraine's post-war redevelopment strategy aimed at strengthening the country. Key issues still unresolved include the status of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia and the security guarantees for Ukraine.

Witkoff spent nearly five hours in discussions with Putin in Moscow, which the Kremlin described as producing "no compromise." Kushner, who served as an advisor to former President Trump, participated in these talks. Trump characterized the meetings as "reasonably good" but cautioned that the outcomes remain uncertain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the global community senses a genuine chance to end the war, but stressed that any progress must be reinforced by pressure on Russia.

Author: Zoe Harrison